Parthamasiris, King of Armenia, Son of Pacorus, Humbles Himself before Trajan c. 16th century

Editor: This is a print by Pietro Santi Bartoli, depicting Parthamasiris, King of Armenia, humbling himself before Trajan. It's quite a formal scene, almost theatrical in its composition. What strikes you when you look at this? Curator: Ah, yes! Bartoli's way of freezing this moment of submission speaks volumes. Notice how Trajan, enthroned and aloof, contrasts with the almost pleading gestures of Parthamasiris. This is more than just a historical record, isn’t it? It's about power, theatre, and the fragile dance of diplomacy. Editor: I see what you mean! It's like a stage play, carefully staged. Curator: Precisely! And ponder this: how might Bartoli, centuries later, be interpreting – or perhaps even subtly critiquing – the Roman Empire's insatiable appetite for conquest? A play within a play, perhaps? Editor: Wow, I hadn't considered that. It really makes you think about perspective. Curator: Doesn't it always?